Amazon "In The" (ALPHA) HOUSE

Article first published as Amazon "In The" (ALPHA) HOUSE on TheTVKing.

Amazon's first original series, Alpha House, brought its freshman run to a close this past week with "In the Saddle." For a company initially known as an online book and media store, this is a triumphant moment, an accomplishment of original programming. After viewing all eleven episodes, it seems to me that Alpha House would have comfortably fit on Showtime or the like, proving Amazon can produce quality content.

Created by Doonesbury comic strip scribe Garry Trudeau, the show follows four Republican senators who share a house when they're in Washington D.C. These guys battle Tea Party upstarts, scandals, and re-election campaigns as they try to hold onto their positions and who they are.

Although Doonesbury can be seen to have a liberal bend, Alpha House does a good job at humanizing the Republican side of the aisle. Sure, some of the characters aren't that likeable, but that's true for both political parties that are displayed, and each of those featured in the show are seldom defined by only one thing, the good mixed with the bad. Perhaps the person may be selfish or a phoney, but they may also be someone who has values, even if they've forgotten them, or someone who can be counted on as a friend.

Gil John Biggs (John Goodman) represents everything a GOP leader should be in "In the House" and the episodes leading up to it. He laments the loss of bi-partisan cooperation, and to make up for it, instigates an enjoyable lunch with an opponent, Carly Armiston (Cynthia Nixon). Then he plans for a funeral for a colleague he can't stand, doing his best to stage a touching tribute, which turns out to be not be very easy.

If only our actual representatives were more like Gil John. He has his faults, but at the end of the day, he does want to help people, and feels best when making a difference. He is willing to play nicely with others and compromise. He hangs onto lost morality, such as supporting communities and infrastructure. And he stands up to those who would besmirch the party he's proud to be a part of. If there were a Republican presidential candidate like Gil John, the GOP would quickly gain back some of the lost youth vote.

Of course, actual lawmakers from both parties made cameos at the funeral scene, so that's showing that they can work together for a TV show, if nothing else.

But reality is much more ridiculous, and that still bleeds through to Alpha House. For instance, Senator Robert Bettencourt (Clark Johnson) is attending a debate on the road to re-election. All of his primary challengers are insane, with stereotypes poking fun at Herman Cain and others. Bettencourt just sits back and lets them talk, knowing his best chance at winning is to give the public the chance to see just how crazy the others are.

The sad thing is, this doesn't always work. We've got real-life examples of those with extreme beliefs stealing away positions after rough primaries. If Bettencourt's strategy were full-proof, we'd be in good shape, but it's not. I think he's unlikely to lose because he's one of the four main characters, but that's the only reason for his job security.

There's plenty of hypocrisy evident on the political stage today, and Alpha House tackles this with the part of Senator Louis Laffer (Matt Malloy). Obviously gay, but sticking to his religious beliefs, Laffer has a doting wife, Louise (Amy Sedaris), and a daughter, Lola (Willa Fitzgerald), who is a bit sex-obsessed after growing up in the nearly sex-less household. However, even as Laffer rallies against gay rights, it's hard to fully hate him because one feels bad for the situation he's in, not able to be true to himself.

The least likeable person on the show is Senator Andy Guzman (Mark Consuelos), who, funnily enough, is extremely true to himself. Meaning, he's really only in the profession to increase his own standing, willing to say whatever it will take to keep the spotlight and the love of the people. I'd like to see Guzman get his comeuppance, and it's likely he will in at least some small way should a season two be ordered.

Alpha House is populated with many more character - senators, wives, and their staffs. All of the screentime is split between a multitude of people, making for a very full story and a larger-scope view of the setting. The cast includes wonderful turns by Julie White, Wanda Sykes, Haley Joel Osment (yes, that Haley Joel Osment), Yara Martinez, Alicia Sable, Kobi Libii, Brooke Bloom, Ben Rameaka, and others. It's a very complete show that could easily fill many years of story if given the chance.

Most importantly, it's funny. If the funeral got a little too depressing for you, and it shouldn't after Armiston and Guzman's eulogies, "In the House" brings Bill Murray back from another bit at the end, his senator sitting behind bars. The final episode opens with a death, but one that will make you laugh. There's a cute scene of Gil John rolling on the floor with a dog, and an amusing one where he hides his laughter to make it seem like crying. This show is made by someone who loves politics, wants to fix it, knows how to poke fun at it, and just plain understands people. It's very well made, and I greatly look forward to further installments.

All eleven episodes of Alpha House's freshman run are currently available on Amazon.

Blu-ray Review: ‘Argo Extended Edition’

Article first published as Blu-ray Review: ‘Argo Extended Edition’ on Blogcritics.

By now, most lovers of cinema have seen last year’s Academy Award Winner for Best Picture, Argo. Based on the true story of CIA specialist Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck, who also directed the film) and his plan to sneak American diplomats out of Iran during the hostage crisis of 1979 with the help of Hollywood players, it boasts an impressive cast and a compelling story. Now, just in time for the holidays, Warner Brothers has released the Argo Extended Edition.

For those who haven’t seen it, at the start, Iranians attack the American embassy and take a bunch of people captive. A small handful escape and hide with a friendly dignitary. With the noose closing in, and the American government unable to sanction an official rescue, Mendez comes up with the ingenious idea to fake a movie being shot in the area and get the sextet out of danger.

Now, Iran is keeping a close watch on visitors from the U.S., so with the help of Lester Siegel (Alan Arkin in an Oscar-nominated role) and John Chambers (John Goodman), filmmakers in L.A., Mendez sets up a Canadian production with an actual script and full cover identities for each of the people stranded. Then, he himself sneaks into Iran, makes it look like he’s actually scouting locations, and smuggles them back home.

It’s an unbelievable story of courage and ingenuity, one that is inspiring and inspired. Even with the outcome certain, viewers are sure to be kept on the edge of their seat as the tense situation plays out. Yes, some liberties are taken to build suspense, but in general, Argo is about real people, which definitely makes it easy for the movie to make viewers care about what’s happening.

Besides the aforementioned actors, the cast also includes Bryan Cranston, Victor Garber, Tate Donovan, Clea DuVall, Kyle Chandle, Chris Messina, Kerry Bishé, Zeljko Ivanek, Titus Wellivar, Scoot McNairy, Rory Cochrane, Bob Gunton, Richard Kind, and more. It’s a very impressive call sheet, and together, they act the hell of of Argo, delivering some really authentic performances. Combined with an Oscar-winning script, it’s a heck of a movie.

The presentation is fantastic in Blu-ray high definition. The detail is excellent, especially in darker scenes, with rich layers. The soundtrack is great, too, with a full surround effect and a nice mix between background noise, dialogue, and score. It’s definitely on par with most recent releases of modern, big budget films, which are quite good.

As the set title implies, this cut of the movie is longer, about nine minutes more than the version released in theaters. Most of the fresh material concerns Mendez’s relationship with his family. This is nice, perhaps not completely necessary, but still welcome.

Better is the wealth of extras that are included with the Argo Extended Edition. There’s a hardcover book about the production with some neat photos, a CIA ID card for Mendez (as he looks on screen), a map of Tehran so you can better track the setting, and, my favorite, a poster for the movie-within-a-movie.

There are three features exclusive to this disc. One shows the real CIA honoring this operation as part of the agency’s fiftieth anniversary. Another looks into how Affleck brought the various elements of the piece together into this finished product. The third is a mashup of the catchphrase “Argo fuck yourself,” used over and over again in the movie. Besides all of this, a number of previously-released bonuses are present as well. There’s a picture-in-picture to compare what really happened with the film, an audio commentary for the theatrical cut, interviews with Jimmy Carter, Tony Mendez, and others, and a discussion with the cast. Affleck talks about why they shot Argo in Istanbul, documents used for the mission are examined, many of those actually involved in 1979 give their perspective, and more. Basically, it’s a really nice mix of stuff about the movie and insight into the real events.

All of this makes Argo Extended Edition a really nice set. What’s included is pretty much all useful and interesting, without the fluff some releases use to beef up their extras list. Not to mention, all of the additional physical material packaged with the discs, are pretty cool, too. For a fan of Argo, this seems to be the definitive edition to have.

Argo Extended Edition is available now.

2013 Disney Blu-ray Gift Guide

Article first published as 2013 Disney Blu-ray Gift Guide on Blogcritics.

Walt Disney is always a great source for films, with many memorable classics, as well as new entries coming out all the time. This gift guide highlights some of the most recent releases by Disney that I had a chance to review. Any of them would make terrific Christmas gifts for your loved ones of any age. Plus, each of these come in a Blu-ray / DVD / Digital combo pack, so Disney has you covered no matter how you want to watch the movies.



Mary Poppins 50th Anniversary Edition

Mary Poppins was one of my favorite movies growing up. A mix of the magical with a nonsensical nanny who somehow seems stern, even as she is leading her charges in fun games. It’s the ultimate tale of a governess who fixes a family, full of catchy tunes and heartwarming scenes. While its running time is over two hours, the pacing flows, and no one should get bored.

For the anniversary edition, the picture has been digitally restored. This doesn’t mean it looks perfect, by any means. There is plenty of graininess and blurring to show its age. But it also doesn’t look like a VHS tape, updated to a decent presentation. The soundtrack is clearer than the picture, though perhaps not at the level one may be used to.

These are not complaints. Old movies often look aged, and that’s part of their charm. Mary Poppins could have new special effects added in, but why should it? It’s better to remember this nearly-perfect movie as it is.

Starring the extremely talented Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke (the latter plays two roles), and boasting some new extras, including a tie-in to the upcoming movie Saving Mr. Banks, which tells the story of the making this film, this is a solid release.



Monsters University

Monsters University is the result of a Pixar / Disney partnership, so you know it will be good. While not quite living up to Monsters Inc., this prequel, which tells the tale of how Mike Wazowski (Billy Crystal) and Sulley (John Goodman) met in college, is better than expected. After getting off on the wrong foot, the two join a group of misfits and work their butts off for their dreams. This may sound formulaic, but there are quite a few surprises and fun moments.

Monsters University is available in 3D. While the review copy I was sent was not 3D, I did manage to find the title in the 3D format, and I must say that the visuals are amazing! The depth is well presented and the picture is crystal clear. Purely measured against other 3D releases, this is definitely one of the better ones, with most impressive effects. If you have the capability to watch 3D movies in your home, or think you might gain that soon, I definitely recommend going for 3D here. It’s well worth it.

The Blu-ray set contains a lot of extras, including a charming short entitled The Blue Umbrella, which does seem designed just to show us how awesome animation can look, a cool feat.



Mickey’s Christmas Carol 30th Anniversary

I can’t believe this short film, which I fondly recall from my own childhood, is thirty years old! Mickey and friends take on the story of the Charles Dickens book, A Christmas Carol, and give it a relatively traditional telling. With Scrooge McDuck filling in as (who else?) Ebenezer Scrooge, Goofy as Jacob Marley, Mickey as Bob Cratchit, Donald Duck as Scrooge’s nephew Fred, and familiar faces from other Disney movies like Pinocchio and The Wind in the Willows, this is a wonderful, family-friendly telling.

Disney keeps the ghosts from being too scary or Scrooge from being too cruel, but they still get the point across. Toss in a few Disney-style gags, this embodies the best of the older Disney shorts, with a fuller feeling of a film. Obviously, to get through everything in half an hour, the pacing is rapid, but not so much so that it feels rushed.

Visually, it does not look dated. It’s done in an older style of animation, of course, but the lines are crisp and the colors vivid. The soundtrack does feel a little like it’s being played back in a barrel, but it’s still easy enough to catch dialogue and lyrics.

Because of the quick running time, there has to be something else included to make the title worth buying. In this case, not only are there sing-along songs, a welcome inclusion, but also five additional shorts! Starring the likes of Mickey, Donald, Goofy, Pluto, Chip, and Dale, added together, these five roughly equal the running time of the feature. This provides enough material to make for a good release.


Other titles

While I only personally reviewed only the three titles above, there are several other releases which I’m sure are fantastic and am eager to add to my own Christmas list. The Little Mermaid has gotten a Diamond Edition update, and Marvel’s latest super hero flick, Iron Man 3, is out in 3D, too. Both of these movies are very enjoyable, so given Disney’s track record, those discs are likely worth finding, as well.

Alpha House

Article first published as Alpha House on TheTVKing.

From the mind of Doonesbury cartoonist Gary Trudeau comes a new political comedy "Pilot" currently available through Amazon, Alpha House. Alpha House is about a bunch of Republican Senators who share an abode in the Capital during the week, and then return to their wives and children in their home state on the weekends. Together, the men deal with the rigors and ridiculousness of politics in Washington D.C.

The story opens with one of their own, Vernon Smits (Bill Murray, Moonrise Kingdom), getting arrested, but totally unprepared for it because his scheduler screwed up. It's a funny scene, but Murray has to play it so quickly and over the top that what makes him the infamous Bill Murray gets lost in the moment. I really hope this is a character that returns so we can see what type of Senator Bill Murray can create.

With Smits out, the other three, Gil John Biggs (John Goodman, Argo), Robert Bettencourt (Clark Johnson, Homicide: Life on the Street), and Louis Laffer (Matt Malloy, The Bounty Hunter) look for a new roomie. They find one in young, upstart, arrogant Andy Guzman (Mark Consuelos, All My Children), who not only brings his floozy to bang in his first visit to the house, but who skips past seniority to claim a nice bedroom.

This is the makings of lots of conflict and chaos, which should be quite entertaining. Alpha House avoids pigeon-holing or flat characters, so I can't say "Gil is the ____ one" or anything, which means the ways in which this unfolds should actually be unpredictable and exciting. These are real-seeming men, who have a variety of motivations and needs going on at all times, and Alpha House won't be a typical screwball comedy. From shooting guns in the basement to reusing speeches on the Hill, the scenes are funny, but believably so.

The series is smart. There is a lot of political commentary right in the "Pilot." Everything from secret gay Republicans promoting family values to Tea Party primary threats to an old-fashioned talking filibuster is brought up. Alpha House will clearly be a vehicle to point out some of the pitfalls of Washington in an amusing way, and yet, the likely viewer will already know about these elements, and so it will reinforce their thinking, rather than opening eyes.

Trudeau is not a conservative, and while that doesn't openly shine through in Alpha House, with likeable, if flawed, characters, there is likely to be an undertone of judgment against the party the show presents. For this reason, people who would vote for a Gil type will likely not enjoy it. It doesn't stray fall enough away from reality to be a hatchet job, but by gleefully pointing out the cracks in the system and the party, it will turn off a large segment of viewership, even if many of the goofs could be applied to either side, and these guys just happen to be GOP.

That being said, I really hope it gets made. Trudeau has found a very nice balance, aided by a stellar cast, between mocking and telling an intriguing story. I like the way he has set things up, and there is a lot of material here to mine. The stripped-from-the-headlines element will give it the ability to say something about modern politics, and maybe, if it's very lucky, provide a little push towards change.

Alpha House's "Pilot" is available now on Amazon.

Community triple dose ends season

NBC's Community had the rare opportunity last night to air not one, not two, but three episodes! Of course, not knowing this far ahead of time, each of the final three are stand alone stories, while still contributing to the larger whole. Also, not knowing if the series would be renewed or not, the final episode gives enough closure that it could serve as a series finale, with just a few seconds of content cut out. Thank goodness, this is not the case, and Community will return next year mid-season. #SixSeasonsAndAMovie

In the first half hour, "Digital Estate Planning," the gang, still expelled from Greendale, goes with Pierce (Chevy Chase) to his deceased father's company to learn how he will get the estate. Upon arrival, they learn that Pierce's father, Cornelius (Larry Cedar, Deadwood), has left them a video game in which to compete for his inheritance. Not only that, but the man explaining this to them, Gilbert Lawson (Giancarlo Esposito, Breaking Bad, Once Upon a Time), is actually Pierce's half brother, and he wants the money!

"Digital Estate Planning" is awesome because much of it is done in 8-bit animation, with the characters becoming part of the game. It contains a number of great jokes and references, such as Britta (Gillian Jacobs) "screwing up drinking" and Troy (Donald Glover) and Abed (Danny Pudi) singing a new version of their talk show theme song! It is also awesome because it forces Pierce to look at himself and who he is, as well as face the fact that he has a sibling. There is some serious soul searching, once Pierce eventually figures out how to stop running his character into walls. And the finale of this episode hints at a major plot point at the end of the season, which is also an overall theme in Community: People are stronger together than apart.

Plus, Abed finds love with an 8-bit girl whose family is slaughtered by Annie (Alison Brie) and Shirley (Yvette Nicole Brown), and they have hundreds of children!

Episode two, "The First Chang Dynasty," is the long-awaited show down between the study group and Chang (Ken Jeong). They plan an elaborate, Ocean 11 style, heist to rescue the Dean (Jim Rash) from Chang's evil clutches. This is also a great excuse to dress in costume, and Britta's goth gal getup is extremely memorable.

Unfortunately, "The First Chang Dynasty" is one case in which the group's ineptitude does not pay off. Chang may be evil and like using his own name incessantly, but he's also smart. He thwarts their attempts to fool him, and is only stopped because members of the school board happen to walk in on the entire thing. Thus, Greendale returns to normal. Or as normal as Greendale gets.

"The First Change Dynasty" is a wonderful episode because, underneath the goofiness, the bond between these students and their dean is felt. This is again echoing the same theme as "Digital Estate Planning," really setting up how the season will end. The characters get into trouble, and it takes a noble sacrifice by Troy to save them. This reaffirms just how far they would go for each other. And it's great that Jeff (Joel McHale) rewards the Dean with a kind touch that sends him collapsing to the floor in ecstasy.

It's a little disappointing that the Dean doesn't give the group credit for the Biology class after the events of "The First Chang Dynasty," as that class is what leads to the Chang mess in the first place. But at least he revokes their expulsion. "Introduction to Finality" picks up months later, as Jeff tries to study for the summer Biology final, which the other members of the study group seem utterly unconcerned about.

How odd that in "Introduction to Finality," Jeff is the only one that cares about school! Once upon a time, he was the least interested in the curriculum, anxious just to graduate and get back to his life! But in this episode, Jeff really commits to Greendale one hundred percent. Not only does he keep trying to study, in spite of the insanity going on around him, he also sacrifices any chance to return to his career in a trial in which he defends Shirley against Pierce, who is represented by Jeff's former colleague, Alan (Rob Corddry). It really brings things full circle, and demonstrates the kind of man Jeff has become!

It's a good thing that Jeff picks this moment to stand up for his friends and choose happiness because an Evil Abed is afoot in "Introduction to Finality." Depressed over losing Troy, who we'll get to in a minute, Abed becomes Evil Abed, intent on bringing darkness into this timeline. He easily takes out Britta, sending her into a spiral of self doubt. But when he tries to go after Jeff with a bone saw, which is hilariously delayed because he needs an extension cord, he is instead surprised to be confronted with total goodness. Troy isn't the only one who cares about his friends in the group, and seeing this affirmed by Jeff's actions cures Abed of his own depression.

It's odd that it takes an act of martyrdom to cure Abed, considering another action of the same is what drives him there in the first place. Troy sacrifices his happiness and freedom to keep the group out of trouble, agreeing to enroll in the Air Conditioning Annex. But, it turns out, Troy gets there at the opportune time, as Murray (Dan Bakkedahl) kills Vice Dean Laybourne (John Goodman) in order to assume the position, and Troy, as the chosen one, is the only one who can stop Murray from getting away with it.

What results from this crime is that Troy must engage Murray in a battle to the death in air conditioning repair. Yes, it's silly, but it's still a great, inspiring sequence! Especially when Troy spares his foe, rather than letting Murray die. Community has a tendency to go a bit over the top, which is part of its charm. But when Troy defeats Murray, the others want to lock the killer in some bizarre chamber, and it takes Troy to bring a dose of reality to the situation, instructing the others to hand Murray over to the cops to be tried for murder. One may not think a bit of realism can be funny, but this one truly is!

Then, with balance restored to the Community universe, "Introduction to Finality" plays a version of the show's theme song, with images of each of the characters finding a good ending flashing over it. It's a heart-warming, touching sequence, and one of the best in the show's run. What's more, on top of the expected endings, a couple of dangling threads are tossed in, since the series is, indeed, returning. Chang's next mission? Take over a rival school, surely to do battle against Greendale. And, it turns out, Star-Burns (Dino Stamatopoulos) faked his death! It's the perfect ending to an awesome season!

Community will return to NBC next year, likely in January. #SixSeasonsAndAMovie

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! To buy Community DVDs or catch up with streaming episodes, please click here. Article originally published as Community triple dose ends season on TheTVKing.com

Community enrolls in "Biology 101"

     The third season premiere of NBC's Community finds the study group enrolling in Professor Kane's (Michael Kenneth Williams, Boardwalk Empire, The Wire) "Biology 101" class. But there is no room for Pierce (Chevy Chase), who claims to be reformed and wants to join the group. That is, until Kane kicks out Jeff (Joel McHale). Unfortunately, Pierce was telling the truth about being away from the "magic" of the study table making one crazy, as Jeff soon begins to lose it. Pierce lies, looking like the bad guy, so that Jeff can rejoin his friends. In return, Jeff makes sure Pierce isn't kicked out again.

     It's nice to have Pierce back. While it was kind of fun to see him as a villain, that story has run its course, and it's time for something new. There are enough outside forces working against the study group, that there is no need to alienate one of their own to find something to fight against. Pierce's re-inclusion should not be instant, but the healing process has begun, and that's important.

     Community opens "Biology 101" with a huge musical number, claiming that they will "be less weird" this season. Perhaps that is the hope of the characters, but the manner in which they deliver the message ruins that dream as soon as it begins. Thankfully, since the weirdness and originality inherent in the series are what makes it such an awesome show. If Community were to become less weird, it probably wouldn't be worth watching any more. Gladly, there is no sign of that.

     Dean Pelton (Jim Rash, finally a series regular) is arguably the weirdest character on the show. Yet, he turns over a new leaf, growing a goatee and wearing a suit in "Biology 101." This lasts for a few minutes, until he tries to exert his authority over Vice Dean Laybourne (John Goodman, Treme, Damages) of the air conditioning repair annex. Turns out, 80% of Greendale's funds come from annex alumni donors, and now that Dean has poked the dragon, he loses his goatee and much of the school's money. This sets the character back, not an unwelcome development, but the ramifications to the rest of the series, and the college's programs, remain to be seen.

     One change that is already occurring is Chang (Ken Jeong) finding a new job and place to live. After Chang was the teacher of the study group in season one, season two found the writers sometimes struggling to come up with plots for Chang. Sure, he has an intense longing to join the gang, but they don't want him, and despite indications that eventually they would break down, they haven't. The newest development in this saga is that Chang will serve as a security guard at Greendale. Will he use his newfound power to force them to include him? Or he will he just continue to be an annoyance? Either way, at least he'll be sticking around.

     Also, Abed (Danny Pudi) goes into serious withdrawal when his favorite series, Cougar Town, is pushed to mid-season. While Cougar Town has been schedule that way since spring, and Abed would not just be finding out in the fall, it's nice that the very funny sitcom on another network gets yet another shout out from Community. They are both great shows, and any attempts to pull the two closer together is always welcome.

     Britta (Gillian Jacobs) tries to solve Abed's problem by introducing him to the "British series on which Cougar Town was based," Cougarton Abbey. There is no real Cougarton Abbey, unlike Cougar Town, but the brief glimpses we get of this "original" show are definitely worth a few laughs. Also welcome is the way the characters kill themselves after a mere six episodes, a poke at the way television shows across the pond are made completely differently. Except Doctor Who, which ran for years decades ago, and has been back on the there past six seasons. So a parody of Doctor Who is perfect for Britta's second attempt to distract Abed. And it works.

     Community also stars Alison Brie, Donald Glover, and Yvette Nicole Brown. Don't miss it, Thursdays at 8:00 p.m. ET on NBC.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!

     To buy Community DVDs or catch up with streaming episodes, please click here.

Treme likes to "Accentuate the Positive"

     HBO's Treme begins its second season with "Accentuate the Positive." This episode is set fourteen months after Hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans, and about seven months after the end of season one. The sprawling cast of characters continue to try to rebuild their city and lives, while new people arrive in town. Other New Orleans residents, who have left the city for various reasons, try to forge new identities outside of their beloved home, but find themselves unable to escape its haunting cry. And of course, the authentic New Orldeans music, certainly one of the best elements of the series, is back!

     Toni (Academy Award Winner Melissa Leo) has not told her daughter, Sofia (India Ennenga), that Sofia's father Creighton (John Goodman) committed suicide. Instead, Toni insists that his death is an accident. It is impossible to tell if Sofia believes her mother or not, but their relationship is certainly strained, be it by lie or blame placement. Toni cannot get Sofia to open up about anything, only to respond angrily. Yet, Sofia does have feelings, as she takes to the web to continue Creighton's rants against the things continuing to go wrong in New Orleans.

     Goodman's presence is missed. Creighton is a larger than life character, and dominates much of the first season. While his death is not a tragedy on the scale of the hurricane that devastated the city, it does have a very large impact on his family. Both wife and daughter deal with the loss in very different ways, but that could be because of the differing information they have been given. Toni is beginning to recover, but Sofia still has a long way to go.

     Toni is helped along with her recovery because of the many battles she still has to wage. Her latest cause is fighting the city to reverse the enormous fees they have put against parades. Citing the high crime rate and costs associated with protecting citizens during any events, New Orleans is now asking far more than its residents can afford to carry on its rich cultural traditions. Toni is fighting for a way of life. It's a David versus Goliath story, and so she is supremely sympathetic.

     Also becoming sympathetic is Lieutenant Colson (David Morse, now a series regular), tasked with stopping the growing peril criminals have brought to the neighborhoods. In this first episode alone, there is a shootout at a bar and a woman is murdered for her purse in the street, not to mention the events only discussed, but never seen. New Orleans has suffered enough, and yet, some people can't help but take advantage of the situation. Colson is doing everything he can, but to no avail. The struggle calls into question basic human nature, and whether man is inherently good or evil.

     Pressure mounts on both Antoine (Wendell Pierce) and Ladonna (Khandi Alexander) to give up their way of life. Desiree (Phyllis Montana LeBlanc) wants Antoine to get a "real" job, but considering that playing his trombone is his greatest joy, it would be unthinkable for him to trade in the instrument for a desk. He might as well leave the city if he does that, because its biggest draw will have been taken from him. Larry (Lance E. Nichols) tries to talk Ladonna into following her family north, but she refuses to give up her bar or her home. It is a wonder that Ladonna and Antoine can't reconnect, as surely they would be able to relate about love ones not understanding their basic needs.

     Another similar pair are Janette (Kim Dickens) and Delmond (Rob Brown), who have traded in new Orleans for New York City. Janette works for a verbally-abusive chef, while Delmond has stuck with his music career, having just released a new album. A couple of guys tell Delmond he has "transcended" New Orleans, earning his ire. Delmond is allowed to criticize New Orleans, but doesn't want anyone else doing it. While Delmond does not live in Louisiana in season one, he still cares a great deal for it. Janette just does not seem happy at all, and while not explicitly stated, it is certain she longs to returns home. It is likely both characters will be back in the South sometime later this season.

     Albert (Clarke Peters) is forced out of the building he has called home since the storm ended when its rightful owner returns. This echoes a problem among many New Orleans residents. Property owners didn't immediately return, but when they have, they want their belongings returned. Albert, on the other hand, never left, and feels like he has more right to the place than the man who abandoned it. While Albert leaves without much of a fight, knowing it's one he cannot win, there are ill feelings that will not be resvoled anytime soon.

     When Albert took over the place, it was in sorry shape. He has worked hard to rebuild it, and find a suitable living space within the ravaged city. Doesn't that give him some claim to the building? After all, not only did the owner not come back for it until over a year has passed, but he did nothing to start to restore his property. While the legal terms must be taken into account, there is something to say for survivors who stuck it out in their home, and it makes the question of who deserves the land more of a sticky question, morally speaking,

     The love triangle between Davis (Steve Zahn), Annie (Lucia Micarelli), and Sonny (Michiel Huisman) is far from over. Davis and Annie have gotten pretty serious over the hiatus, but Sonny is back, looking cleaned up and sane. In fact, Sonny gets to perform with Annie in a local club, and is nothing but gracious to both her and Davis. Sonny and Annie feel more right than Annie and Davis, so it's quite possible that the new relationship will be short lived. Which is fine, as long as Janette comes back to Davis.

     Poor Davis is the nice guy who can't ever win. He loves music, but is much more an admirer than a performer. He is currently working once more as a radio DJ, but clashes with his boss, per uual. Davis deserves a steady job he is passionate about and a nice woman in the same vein. While Annie is into music and Janette is more about cooking, both are artists authentic to the city, making either a suitable mate for Davis. With everything Davis and the place he loves have gone through, it's time that he is happy, whether that is completely realistic or not.

     There is a new man in town in the form of Nelson Hidalgo (Jon Seda, The Pacific, Close to Home). At first, it appears that Nelson has come to New Orleans from Dallas, Texas just to make money, having been assured by his cousin there is plenty of opportunity here. But Nelson quickly falls in love with the city, its people, its cuisine, and its music. It's not just an act, as Nelson drags his reluctant cousin, who is more concerned with working than enjoying himself, anywhere he can soak up the culture. Granted, this is a new experience for Nelson, but it looks like love at first sight.

     The question is, how will Nelson's arc develop? Will he be a heartless speculator who puts the almighty dollar first? Sure, he plans on staying because of the aforementioned attraction, but that doesn't mean he is loyal to anyone who gets in the way of his profit. Or he may be, as he witnesses the hardships the locals have gone through and begins to feel sorry for them. One episode in, with only scant minutes of screen time because of so many characters he must share the show with, it is impossible to know what kind of man Nelson really is. Inevitable, we will find out.


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     Treme airs Sunday nights at 10 p.m. ET. Do yourself a favor and be sure to tune in.

Article first published as TV Review: Treme - "Accentuate the Positive" on Blogcritics.

Down in the Treme

     Ah, Treme.  HBO's series, set in New Orleans six months after Hurricane Katrina devastated it, is a breath of fresh air.  It's unique and original.  The characters are believable, and have so many layers.  Last night's hour and a half season finale, "I'll Fly Away", was moving.  It wasn't an extraordinary episode, measured against any other.  It was like real life, continuing in it's twists and turns.  The only really stand out part was the ten minute or so sequence where we got to see all of the characters just before the storm.  But the fact that no part of Treme does stand out as especially more dramatic as any other is why the series works so well.  Sure, there are ups and downs, but everything flows along like a Second Line parade.

     The most heart breaking plot involved the suicide of Creighton Bernette (John Goodman, an actual resident of the city).  It was so nice to see him in the before the storm segment, acting normally with his family.  Damn imdb.com teases us, listing him as full time for the upcoming second season, but surely that is not to be.  His writer / activist was certainly one of the most fascinating characters, and while it was obvious from the beginning of the penultimate episode that he intended to take his life, suddenly cheery after all his frustrations  Yet, it made no sense, in that he had plenty to live for.  His family certainly didn't see it coming, and while I did, I still don't know why he did it.  My heart goes out to his wife Toni (Melissa Leo) and daughter Sofia (India Ennenga).  That's a testament to how un-fictional the family seemed.

     Elswhere, it appears that Davis (Steve Zahn) failed to stop Janette (Kim Dickens) from leaving town.  If her character doesn't return for the second season, she will be sorely missed, but I suspect she may soon be back in the south.  She just doesn't seem like a New York City gal.  However, the hints of a love interest for Davis in Annie (Lucia Micarelli, a real musician) make much more sense, and I would like to see that blossom.  It was clear that Davis and Janette weren't meant for each other, even to the characters themselves, but Annie seems a perfect match.  And Davis for her, much more so than her jerk of an ex-boyfriend, Sonny (Michiel Huisman).  I was gratified that she left him, and hope she never does back.

     Antoine (Wendell Pierce) needs to clean up his act.  Gambling away most of the money he made at his latest gig won't support his family.  How many kids does he have, anyhow?  I kept thinking he could find someone more attractive than the woman he is currently with, but he certainly doesn't deserve better.  I kind of root for him to get back with ex Ladonna (Khandi Alexander) because he actually seems to care about her, but she certainly deserves a good man, and seems to have found one.  I hope that she doesn't let past chemistry screw up what she has any more than it already has.

     Finally, is Delmond (Rob Brown) ever going to listen to his father, Indian Chief Albert (Clarke Peters) and return to his home?  He should.  He's the character that seems most disposable to me, so much more than John Goodman was.  In contrast, his father is part of the heart of New Orleans.  Between his civil disobedience and gathering back his tribute, Albert is a pillar of the community.  I hope things start going better for him soon.

Treme a study in a delightful, resilent neighborhood

     Treme, is a neighborhood in New Orleans of less than a square mile and with a population of a little less than 9,000, or so the U.S. Census in 2000 counted.  Considering what the area has been through since then, it may be considerably less right now.  And that's what HBO's new series, Treme, shows viewers.  Beginning three months after Hurricane Katrina, the place is a near deserted, dilapidated mess.  Yet, residents are starting to trickle back in, and a few never left.

     One such couple is Toni and Creighton Bernette (John Goodman and Melissa Leo).  Toni sued half the cops in town, but is only hated by some of them.  In the pilot, she goes well out of her way to help a friend locate her missing brother, not seen since the storm.  Goodman is back in fine form as Creighton, and his rants at the media provide a necessary levity, as well as a show of strength.  Equally profane is rule-breaking and borderline criminal Davis McAlary (Steve Zahn, in his first series regular role), but he is still very likable.

     The major focus, though, seems to be the music.  Wendell Pierce plays Antoine Batiste, an incredibly talented trombonist, who seems to find gigs easily enough, but is still living hand to mouth.  Pierce also starred in the series The Wire, which was created by David Simon, who, along with Eric Overmyer, has also served up this show.  I did not watch the previous one, but in just eighty minutes I can see why they wanted to keep working with Pierce.

     Another colorful character returning to town is Albert Lambreaux (Clarke Peters), an Indian chief who wants to bring his tribe back to the neighborhood.  In the meantime, his own house destroyed, he has taken up residence in an abandoned local bar.  One can't help but wonder what will happen when the owner returns.  Or perhaps he or she won't.  Many residents did not.

     It is a large cast, and I can't pinpoint specific plots for each character.  Yet, the city and its spirit seem to be captured wonderfully.  It was a fantastic pilot, with plenty to draw viewers back.  The music is what really sells the series, with local musicians from the area popping up to grant authenticity.  I look forward very much to the rest of the season, and I don't usually say this after a pilot, but years to come.